Printing service providing system and printing device

Abstract

To detect a fraudulent operation to service quantity management information.SOLUTION: A printing service provision system comprises a compound machine 200 which forms an image on a sheet, performs storage processing of reference service information of acquiring at any time from the compound machine 200 management service information about provision of a service related to image formation of the compound machine 200, updating and storing the management service information, and storage processing of latest service information of reflecting and storing the update of the service information in the storage processing of the reference service information at prescribed timing, and comprises a fraudulence detection unit 510 which determines whether or not the service information is an abnormal value based on the storage contents of the reference service information and the latest service information, and detects a fraudulent operation to the service information based on a result of the determination.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a print service providing system that provides services related to printing, and a printing device provided in the print service providing system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as described in Patent Document 1, for example, a technique is known in which, when a printer receives additional license information, the printer checks the date and time included in the information to determine whether the license information is legitimate or illegitimate. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-71695 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In some cases, a user of a printing device enters into a contract with a service provider under which the user pays a fee based on the content of printing. In this case, the printing device has a function for storing count values ​​such as the number of pages printed by the user and the amount of consumables such as ink cartridges consumed. After use, the service provider bills the user for a fee based on the number of pages printed, for example.

[0005] In recent years, some printing services have introduced prepaid fee systems. In such cases, the printing device stores the number of printable pages for which the user has purchased printing rights for a fee, i.e., the so-called charge number, and the user can print up to the charge number. In the prior art described in Patent Document 1, when such a prepaid system is adopted, the printing device itself determines whether the license information received from an external source as a prepaid user is fraudulent.

[0006] However, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, although it is possible to detect fraudulent license information, there is a problem in that it is not possible to detect fraudulent operations performed on service quantity management information such as the number of prints, the amount of consumables consumed, and the number of charges.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a printing service providing system and a printing device that can detect unauthorized manipulation of service quantity management information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention comprises a printing unit that forms an image on a printing medium, a first service quantity management information storage processing unit that acquires service quantity management information regarding the provision of services related to the image formation of the printing unit from the printing unit at any time, updates and stores it, a second service quantity management information storage processing unit that reflects updates to the service quantity management information in the first service quantity management information storage processing unit at a predetermined timing and stores it, and a fraud detection unit that determines whether the service quantity management information is an abnormal value based on the stored contents of the first service quantity management information storage processing unit and the second service quantity management information storage processing unit, and detects fraudulent manipulation of the service quantity management information based on the determination result.

[0009] The printing service providing system of the present invention includes a printing unit, a first service quantity management information storage processing unit, a second service quantity management information storage processing unit, and a fraud detection unit. The first service quantity management information storage processing unit acquires service quantity management information from the printing unit as needed, updates it, and stores it. The second service quantity management information storage processing unit reflects updates to the service quantity management information in the first service quantity management information storage processing unit at a predetermined timing and stores it. The fraud detection unit determines whether the service quantity management information is an abnormal value based on the contents stored in the first service quantity management information storage processing unit and the second service quantity management information storage processing unit. The fraud detection unit detects fraudulent manipulation of the service quantity management information based on the determination result.

[0010] According to the present invention, if the service quantity management information has an abnormal value, it can be detected that an unauthorized operation has been performed on the service quantity management information.

[0011] In addition, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a printing device provided in a printing service providing system, which includes the printing unit, the first service quantity management information storage processing unit, and the fraud detection unit.

[0012] According to the printing device of the present invention, if the service quantity management information has an abnormal value, the printing device can detect by itself that there has been fraudulent manipulation of the service quantity management information, without relying on a server. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to detect any unauthorized manipulation of the service quantity management information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an overall schematic configuration of a print service providing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a software block configuration diagram relating to fraud detection processing according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the display content on a display device provided on a mobile terminal when an ink delivery application is successfully approved, and the display content when an ink delivery application is rejected due to fraud detection. [Figure 4] 1 is a sequence flow illustrating processing executed by a mobile terminal, a management server, and a multifunction peripheral in an embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a software block diagram relating to the fraud detection process when the restriction processing unit stops the printing function of the multifunction peripheral. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a software block diagram relating to the fraud detection process when the multifunction peripheral itself detects fraudulent operations. [Figure 7] 10 is a sequence flow showing the processing executed by the mobile terminal, the management server, and the multifunction device when the multifunction device itself detects an unauthorized operation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] A print service providing system according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown in Fig. 1. This embodiment is an embodiment of a print service providing system 1 that can provide print services including a prepaid print service in which a customer user pays a fee in advance to use the printing function of a multifunction peripheral 200, and a delivery service in which replacement consumables are delivered upon request by the user when consumables used in the multifunction peripheral 200 have been consumed to a certain extent.

[0017] <Outline of the printing service provision system> 1, the print service providing system 1 includes a management server 100, a multifunction peripheral 200, and a mobile terminal 300. The management server 100, the multifunction peripheral 200, and the mobile terminal 300 are connected to a network NT and can communicate with each other.

[0018] <Administration Server> The management server 100 is a server installed and managed by, for example, the manufacturer of the multifunction peripheral 200, and includes a processor 110, a storage device 115, and an interface 190. The processor 110, the storage device 115, and the interface 190 are connected to one another via a bus 105.

[0019] The storage device 115 includes a volatile storage device 120 and a non-volatile storage device 130 . The volatile storage device 120 is, for example, a DRAM, and has a user ID storage area 121, a device number storage area 122, and a service information storage area 123 that stores two types of service information, latest service information and standard service information, which will be described later. The non-volatile storage device 130 is, for example, a hard disk drive or a solid state drive, and has a program storage area 131 and a fee table storage area 132. Various programs are stored in the program storage area 131. The various programs include various programs related to the execution of the fraud detection method for providing a printing service according to the present embodiment, based on the software block diagram in FIG. 2 and the sequence flow in FIG. 4, which will be described later. The fee table storage area 132 stores predetermined correlations for calculating the fees to be charged to a user for printing or delivery when, for example, a contract is made for a printing service that includes the aforementioned prepaid printing service or delivery service.

[0020] The processor 110 is a device that performs data processing, such as a CPU, and executes various programs, including programs related to the print service of this embodiment, stored in the program storage area 131. The processor 110 performs various processes shown in Figs. 2 and 4, which will be described later, including data communication with the mobile terminal 300 and the multifunction peripheral 200 connected to the network NT. The processor 110 executes a fraud detection processing method by the print service providing system 1 of this embodiment in cooperation with the multifunction peripheral 200 and the mobile terminal 300.

[0021] The interface 190 is a wired LAN interface or a wireless interface for communicating with other devices, and is connected to the network NT.

[0022] The storage device 115 is not limited to being configured with the above-mentioned device elements, but may be configured with, for example, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, HDD, a portable recording medium such as a USB memory that can be attached to or detached from the mobile terminal 300, a buffer provided in the processor 110, or a combination thereof. The storage device 115 may be a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium is a non-transitory medium. In addition to the above examples, non-transitory media also include recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. A non-transitory medium is also a tangible medium. The same applies to the storage device 215 of the multifunction peripheral 200, which will be described later.

[0023] <Multifunction device> The multifunction device 200 is owned, for example, by a printing service provider that provides the above-mentioned printing service or by a user. The multifunction device 200 has a scanner unit 280, a printing unit 290, a processor 210, a storage device 215, a display unit 240, an operation unit 250, a communication unit 285, and a communication interface 270. The scanner unit 280, the printing unit 290, the processor 210, the storage device 215, the display unit 240, the operation unit 250, the communication unit 285, and the communication interface 270 are connected to one another via a bus 205.

[0024] The storage device 215 includes a volatile storage device 220 and a non-volatile storage device 230. The volatile storage device 220 is, for example, a DRAM, and includes a service information storage area 221 that stores management service information (described later). The non-volatile storage device 230 is, for example, a flash memory, and includes a program storage area 232 and a contract information storage area 233 that stores the details of the contract concluded between the user and the contracting party. Various programs are stored in the program storage area 232. These various programs include various programs related to the execution of service applications for the provision of the printing service of this embodiment based on the software block diagram in FIG. 2 and the sequence flow in FIG. 4 (described later). These programs are, for example, stored in advance in the program storage area 232 as firmware.

[0025] The processor 210 is a device that performs data processing, such as a CPU. The processor 210 executes various programs stored in the program storage area 232, and executes a processing method related to fraud detection by the print service providing system 1 of this embodiment in cooperation with the processor 110 and the mobile terminal 300.

[0026] The display unit 240 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and is capable of displaying various types of information. The operation unit 250 is a device that accepts operations by the user. The user can input various instructions to the multifunction peripheral 200 by operating the operation unit 250. The communication interface 270 is a wired or wireless network interface for communicating with other devices, and is connected to the network NT.

[0027] The scanner unit 280 optically reads an original document, which is an object to be read, using a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD or CMOS, and generates scan data representing the read image.

[0028] The printing unit 290 prints an image on the transported paper using a predetermined method while removing and transporting paper from a paper feed tray using a transport mechanism (not shown). The following description will be given taking an example of inkjet printing. The printing unit 290 forms an image on the paper using ink in an ink cartridge 50 that is detachably mounted in a cartridge holder 51, in accordance with a print job sent from the mobile terminal 300 or a print job that the printing unit 290 itself has generated based on operations on the operation unit 250. Note that paper is an example of a print medium, and the ink in the ink cartridge 50 is an example of a consumable item.

[0029] The communication section 285 is, for example, a terminal, and is electrically connected to a cartridge memory (IC chip) of the ink cartridge 50 attached to the cartridge holder 51.

[0030] Each ink cartridge 50 is provided with a cartridge memory (not shown), and cartridge information is stored in this cartridge memory so as to be readable via the communication section 285.

[0031] In the multifunction device 200, the processor 210 uses known methods to obtain the remaining amount of ink or the amount of ink used in the ink cartridge 50 installed in the cartridge holder 51. When the remaining amount of ink decreases and reaches a predetermined remaining amount threshold, or when the amount of ink used increases and reaches a predetermined used amount threshold, the display unit 240 can display a message that the ink cartridge 50 should be replaced. This makes it convenient for the user to replace the ink cartridge 50.

[0032] <Mobile device> The mobile terminal 300 is a portable terminal such as a smartphone owned by a user, and is connected to the network NT via wireless communication. The mobile terminal 300 has a processor, a storage device, and an interface for connecting to the network NT (not shown).

[0033] Various programs are stored in a program storage area provided in the storage device. The various programs include various programs related to the execution of service applications for providing the print service of this embodiment based on the software block diagram of FIG. 2 and the sequence flow of FIG. 4, which will be described later. The processor executes the programs related to the print service of this embodiment stored in the program storage area. The processor performs various processes shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, which will be described later, including data communication with the management server 100, the multifunction peripheral 200, the delivery server 400, and the relay server 600, which are connected to the network NT. The processor executes a processing method related to fraud detection by the print service providing system 1 of this embodiment in cooperation with the management server 100 and the multifunction peripheral 200.

[0034] The mobile terminal 300 also includes a display device 301. Examples of the display content of the display device 301 will be described later. It should be noted that other information terminals, such as personal computers and tablet computers, may be used instead of the mobile terminal 300. Hereinafter, where appropriate, these information terminals will be collectively referred to simply as the "mobile terminal 300."

[0035] <Features of the embodiment> In the above configuration, the feature of this embodiment is that when a user performs fraudulent operations on service information related to printing services, including the prepaid printing service and delivery service mentioned above, the fraud is detected and a measure is taken to prevent the user from fraudulently applying for services.

[0036] In other words, if service information such as the number of printed pages, the amount of consumables consumed, and the number of pages charged stored in the storage device 215 of the multifunction device 200 is tampered with in the multifunction device 200, it is difficult to detect the tampering itself. In this embodiment, the management server 100, which processes the printing service, detects that an tampering has occurred in the multifunction device 200.

[0037] <Software blocking of fraud detection processes> In accordance with the above, the software block configuration related to the fraud detection process in this embodiment is shown in FIG.

[0038] 2, the management server 100 includes a fraud detection unit 510, a restriction processing unit 520, and a service processing unit 530, and the multifunction peripheral 200 includes a print control unit 540. As an example, the fraud detection unit 510, the restriction processing unit 520, and the service processing unit 530 of the management server 100 are configured by corresponding parts of the processor 110 and the program 131. As another example, the print control unit 540 of the multifunction peripheral 200 is configured by corresponding parts of the processor 210 and the program 232. The fraud detection unit 510 of the management server 100 references two types of service information: standard service information and latest service information. Both of these two types of service information are stored separately by type in the service information storage area 123 of the volatile storage device 120 of the management server 100 shown in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, each type of service information includes three types of service information: the cumulative number of pages charged, the cumulative number of pages printed, and the cumulative amount of ink consumed. The fraud detection unit 510 compares two types of service information, the reference service information and the latest service information, to determine whether the content of the latest service information is an abnormal value, and based on the determination result, detects whether fraudulent operations have been performed on the service information in the multifunction device 200. The types and contents of this service information and the processing details of the fraud detection unit 510 will be described in detail later.

[0039] The information on the cumulative number of charged sheets, the cumulative number of printed sheets, and the cumulative amount of ink consumed is an example of the complimentary quantity management information, and the processor 110 and the program 131 cooperate to store the standard complimentary information. No. 2 This is an example of a service quantity management information storage processing unit, and the processor 110 and the program 131 cooperate to store the latest service information. No. 1 10 is an example of a service quantity management information storage processing unit.

[0040] When fraud detection information indicating that fraudulent operations have been detected is input from the fraud detection unit 510, the restriction processing unit 520 instructs the service processing unit 530, which will be described later, to restrict the provision of predetermined types of printing services.

[0041] The service processing unit 530 normally accepts requests from users via the mobile terminal 300 and executes the appropriate processing required to provide the specified prepaid printing service or delivery service. However, if the service processing unit 530 receives an instruction from the restriction processing unit 520 to restrict the provision of these printing services, the service processing unit 530 processes the request to reject the user's request. For example, if no fraudulent operation is detected and the user can successfully apply for the ink cartridge 50 delivery service using the mobile terminal 300, the order operation button 301A (in the illustrated example, for ordering one bottle of black ink) appears normally and can be operated on the touch panel, which is the display device 301 of the mobile terminal 300, as shown in FIG. 3(a). However, if fraudulent operation is detected and the service request from the mobile terminal 300 is rejected by the service processing unit 530, the mobile terminal 300 that received the notification displays the order button 301B as grayed out and inoperable, as shown in FIG. 3(b). In such a case, the user must take action, such as contacting the manufacturer of the multifunction device 200 in accordance with message 301C displayed on the same screen as the order button 301B. Although the illustrated example shows an ink delivery service, the availability of service application may be switched in the same way for other prepaid printing services where the number of pages to be charged is ordered (not shown).

[0042] 2, the print control unit 540 of the multifunction peripheral 200 controls the printing operation of the print unit 290 in accordance with print instructions from the management server 100 (not shown) based on the management service information. The management service information is information stored in the service information storage area 221 in the volatile storage device 220 of the multifunction peripheral 200, and includes three pieces of service information: the cumulative number of pages charged, the cumulative number of pages printed, and the cumulative amount of ink consumed, just like the reference service information and the latest service described above. The print control unit 540 also has a function of transmitting the service status, including the content of the management service information at that time, to the mobile terminal 300 and presenting it to the user.

[0043] <Details of service information and fraud detection processing> As described above, the printing service providing system 1 of this embodiment offers a prepaid printing service in which a user pays a fee to use the printing function of the multifunction peripheral 200. Specifically, a customer user uses the prepaid printing service under a usage contract using a multifunction peripheral 200 owned by a printing service provider or a multifunction peripheral 200 purchased by the user. When using the prepaid printing service, the user purchases in advance via the mobile terminal 300 printing authorization for a specified number of pages for the multifunction peripheral 200. In other words, the service is a pay-as-you-go system in which only a specified number of pages corresponding to the specific printing service acquired by the order can be printed. At this time, the service processing unit 530 of the management server 100 directly accepts an order for the prepaid printing service from the mobile terminal 300, and the prepaid printing service is applied to the multifunction peripheral 200.

[0044] In such a prepaid printing service, the printing authority that a user can purchase for the multifunction device 200 is a charge number, and the user can select and order from multiple charge services, such as 100 sheets = 100 yen, 300 sheets = 250 yen, etc. The cumulative number of charge numbers that the user has purchased for the multifunction device 200 up to that point becomes the service information for the cumulative charge number. Note that this service information for the cumulative charge number is an example of printable amount information.

[0045] The service information on the cumulative number of printed sheets is information for managing the cumulative number of printed sheets for the service, which indicates how many sheets have actually been printed out of the cumulative number of sheets charged to the multifunction device 200 for past orders by the user. The service information on the cumulative number of printed sheets is an example of print volume information.

[0046] As described above, the printing service providing system 1 of this embodiment also provides a delivery service in which replacement consumables are delivered upon request by the user when the consumables used in the multifunction device 200 have been consumed to a certain extent. Specifically, as described above, one such consumable is the ink in the ink cartridges 50 that is consumed during printing in the printing unit 290. In contrast, the service information on the cumulative ink consumption is information that manages the cumulative amount of ink in the ink cartridges 50 in the multifunction device 200 that is estimated to have been consumed during printing. Note that this service information on the cumulative ink consumption is an example of consumption amount information.

[0047] In the above-described management mode, the master data for the information on the cumulative charge number among the three types of service information is generated and modified by the management server 100, which receives and processes orders for the charge service. In contrast, the master data for the information on the cumulative number of printed pages and cumulative ink consumption is generated and modified by the multifunction device 200, which actually controls printing.

[0048] Here, since the management server 100 processes the printing service, it is necessary to manage information on the cumulative number of printed pages and cumulative ink consumption amount of the multifunction device 200 as quickly as possible in real time. At the same time, the multifunction device 200 must limit the number of printed pages to within the actually ordered number of pages charged. For this reason, the management server 100 and the multifunction device 200 synchronously update the contents of their respective standard service information and management service information by sending and receiving their respective master data to each other at intervals of, for example, several minutes. Specifically, the management server 100 sends information on the cumulative number of pages charged to the multifunction device 200, and the multifunction device 200 sends information on the cumulative number of printed pages and cumulative ink consumption amount to the management server 100, and the received information is updated.

[0049] This allows the print control unit 540 of the multifunction device 200 to manage printing so that it only performs printing within the printable number of sheets obtained by subtracting the cumulative number of printed sheets from the cumulative number of charged sheets in the management service information stored in itself at that time. Then, when printing is actually performed, the print control unit 540 updates the cumulative number of printed sheets in the management service information by the number of printed sheets, and also updates the cumulative ink consumption amount in the management service information by the amount of ink consumed by the printing.

[0050] In the printing service providing system 1 described above, if the content of the management service information is not updated properly or is updated improperly due to factors such as a specific improper operation by a user on the multifunction peripheral 200 side or an unintentional user error, the printing service may be processed improperly. Specifically, if the management service information is updated to improperly increase the cumulative charge number, the number of printable pages may exceed the number of charge pages legitimately ordered and purchased. Even if the management service information is updated to improperly decrease the cumulative print number, the number of printable pages may be improperly increased. Furthermore, if the management service information is updated to improperly increase the cumulative ink consumption amount, unnecessary ink cartridges 50 may be delivered.

[0051] In contrast, in this embodiment, when an application for either the prepaid printing service or the ink delivery service is received from the mobile terminal 300, or when this application is synchronized with the receipt of the application, the management server 100 acquires the management service information stored in the multifunction device 200 and temporarily stores this as latest service information separate from the standard service. The fraud detection unit 510 then compares the contents of this standard service information with the latest service information, and if it determines that the latest service information contains an abnormal value, it detects that fraudulent operation has occurred on the multifunction device 200. If the latest service information does not contain an abnormal value, the cumulative number of printed pages and cumulative ink consumption of the latest service information are reflected in the cumulative number of printed pages and cumulative ink consumption of the standard service information.

[0052] Specifically, if the information on the cumulative charge number is normal, the cumulative charge number in the management service information acquired from the multifunction device 200 will not mismatch with the cumulative charge number in the reference service information, which is master data. If the cumulative charge number in the latest service information does not match the cumulative charge number in the reference service information, the fraud detection unit 510 determines this to be an abnormal value and detects that the cumulative charge number has been fraudulently updated by some kind of fraudulent operation on the multifunction device 200. Note that, from the perspective of preventing printing in excess of the actual charge number, if the cumulative charge number in the latest service information is larger than the cumulative charge number in the reference service information, this may be determined to be an abnormal value.

[0053] Furthermore, if the information on the cumulative number of printed sheets is normal, the cumulative number of printed sheets in the management service information acquired from the multifunction device 200 may increase but not decrease as the user uses the device. If the cumulative number of printed sheets in the latest service information is smaller than the cumulative number of printed sheets in the reference service information, the fraud detection unit 510 determines this to be an abnormal value and detects that the cumulative number of printed sheets has been fraudulently updated due to some fraudulent operation on the multifunction device 200.

[0054] Furthermore, if the information on cumulative ink consumption is normal, the cumulative ink consumption in the management service information acquired from the multifunction device 200 will not increase beyond the maximum consumption amount relative to the increase in the cumulative number of printed pages. Therefore, for example, if the cumulative ink consumption is increasing, the cumulative number of printed pages should also be increasing. If the increase in the cumulative ink consumption in the latest service information relative to the cumulative ink consumption in the standard service information does not match the increase in the cumulative number of printed pages in the latest service information relative to the cumulative number of printed pages in the standard service information, the fraud detection unit 510 determines this to be an abnormal value. Then, it detects that the cumulative ink consumption has been fraudulently updated due to some fraudulent operation on the multifunction device 200.

[0055] <Control procedure> An example of a control procedure for realizing the fraud detection method according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence chart of FIG.

[0056] First, under normal circumstances, the steps S5 and S10 are executed when a legitimate additional order process (not shown) is performed by the management server 100. That is, in S5, the management server 100 transmits the cumulative charge number information of the standard service information, which has been increased and updated by the additional order process, to the multifunction device 200. Then, in S10, the multifunction device 200 updates the management service information by overwriting it with the received cumulative charge number information. Through the above process, when the cumulative charge number is increased by a legitimate additional order process by the management server 100 (not shown), the management service information of the multifunction device 200 can be synchronously updated to immediately reflect this increase.

[0057] When the user operates the mobile terminal 300 to display the service application screen as shown in FIG. 3A, service application start information is transmitted from the mobile terminal 300 to the management server 100 in S25. The management server 100, which has received this service application start information, then transmits a service information transmission request to the multifunction device 200 in S30, requesting that the multifunction device 200 return the managed service information in S30. The multifunction device 200, which has received this service information transmission request, transmits the current managed service information to the management server 100 in S35. The management server 100 then determines in S40 that the received managed service information is the latest service information and compares it with separately stored reference service information to detect fraud. Specifically, as described above, the management server 100 compares the cumulative charge counts corresponding to each piece of service information, compares the cumulative print counts, or verifies the consistency of the increasing behavior of the cumulative ink consumption and the cumulative print count, and determines whether any information in the latest service information is abnormal.

[0058] If any one piece of information in the latest service information is determined to be an abnormal value and an unauthorized operation is detected, the determination in S45 is satisfied (S45: YES), and service application rejection information is sent to the mobile terminal 300 in S50. On the other hand, if all pieces of information in the latest service information are determined to be normal values ​​and an unauthorized operation is not detected, the determination in S45 is not satisfied (S45: NO), and service application approval information is sent to the mobile terminal 300 in S55. At this time, although not specifically shown, the management server 100 also overwrites and updates the reference service information with two pieces of service information from the latest service information, the cumulative number of printed pages and the cumulative ink consumption. As a result, the mobile terminal 300 receives only either the service application approval information or the service application rejection information. When the mobile terminal 300 receives the service application approval information, it can display a screen that allows normal service application operations, as shown in FIG. 3(a) above. When the mobile terminal 300 receives the service application rejection information, it displays an operation screen that does not allow service application operations, as shown in FIG. 3(b) above. Furthermore, the fraud detection procedures of S30 to S55 are repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals of, for example, several minutes, even if there is no service application from the user in S25, and the management server 100 successively monitors whether or not there is any fraudulent operation on the multifunction peripheral 200.

[0059] <Effects of this embodiment> As described above, the print service providing system 1 of this embodiment includes the printing unit 290, a process for storing standard service information, a process for storing latest service information, and a fraud detection unit 510. In the process for storing standard service information, the service information for the cumulative number of pages charged, the cumulative number of pages printed, and the cumulative amount of ink consumed in the management service information is acquired from the printing unit 290 as needed, updated, and stored. In the process for storing latest service information, updates to the latest service information are reflected and stored at predetermined times. The fraud detection unit 510 determines whether the service information contains an abnormal value based on the stored contents of the standard service information and the latest service information. Based on the determination result, the fraud detection unit 510 detects fraudulent manipulation of the service information. According to this embodiment, if the service information contains an abnormal value, it is possible to detect fraudulent manipulation of the service information.

[0060] In this embodiment, the service information includes information on the cumulative charge number for which the user has acquired printing authority for a fee. If the cumulative charge number information is normal, it will not increase solely through the user's use of the multifunction device 200. If the latest cumulative charge number information stored in the latest service information is greater than the cumulative charge number information stored in the reference service information, the fraud detection unit 510 determines that this is an abnormal value. According to this embodiment, when the fraud detection unit 510 determines that the value is abnormal, i.e., that the value is not normal, it is possible to detect that some kind of fraudulent operation has occurred with the cumulative charge number.

[0061] Note that the cumulative charge number information will not change unless the master data stored in the standard service information on the management server 100 is updated through legitimate purchase order processing in the prepaid printing service. Furthermore, this cumulative charge number information can generally be increased, but cannot be decreased. Therefore, the fraud detection unit 510 may determine that the latest cumulative charge number information stored in the latest service information is an abnormal value even if it simply does not match the cumulative charge number stored in the standard service information. The print authorization charge number may also be obtained free of charge, for example, by using a coupon.

[0062] In this embodiment, the service information includes information on the cumulative number of printed sheets. Under normal circumstances, the cumulative number of printed sheets may increase but not decrease as the user uses the device. If the latest cumulative number of printed sheets stored in the latest service information is smaller than the cumulative number of printed sheets stored in the reference service information, the fraud detection unit 510 determines this to be an abnormal value. According to this embodiment, when the fraud detection unit 510 determines that the value is abnormal, i.e., that the device is not in a normal state, it is possible to detect that some kind of fraudulent operation has occurred with respect to the cumulative number of printed sheets.

[0063] In this embodiment, the service information includes information on cumulative ink consumption. Under normal circumstances, cumulative ink consumption information may increase but not decrease as the user uses the printer. Therefore, for example, if the cumulative ink consumption information increases, the cumulative number of printed pages should also increase, and the difference in the number of pages between the cumulative number of printed pages and the cumulative number of pages charged at which the user obtained printing authorization should decrease.

[0064] If the latest cumulative ink consumption information stored in the latest service information does not match the cumulative ink consumption information stored in the reference service information or the increase / decrease behavior of the cumulative number of printed pages or the cumulative number of charged pages as described above, the fraud detection unit 510 determines that this is an abnormal value. According to this embodiment, when the fraud detection unit 510 determines that the value is abnormal, that is, that the state is not normal, it is possible to detect that some kind of fraud has occurred with the cumulative ink consumption information.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a restriction processing unit 520 is particularly provided, and when fraud is detected by the fraud detection unit 510, the restriction processing unit 520 imposes some predetermined restriction on the provision of services. According to this embodiment, when fraud is detected, it is possible to impose sanctions on the fraudulent act, and the sanctions can have the effect of further deterring fraudulent acts.

[0066] In particular, in this embodiment, if fraud is detected, the restriction processing unit 520 denies the user from acquiring new printing authorization for the cumulatively charged number of sheets for a fee. Although the user can print the number of sheets for which he or she has already acquired printing authorization, once printing for that number of sheets is completed, he or she will be unable to continue printing. This embodiment at least prevents the service provider from suffering further damage due to the user's acquisition of new printing authorization.

[0067] Furthermore, particularly in this embodiment, if fraud is detected, the restriction processing unit 520 will refuse the user's attempt to order a new ink cartridge 50. Although the user can print using the ink cartridge 50 that has already been ordered, once that ink cartridge 50 is consumed, the user will be unable to continue printing. This embodiment at least makes it possible to prevent the service provider from suffering further damage as a result of the user ordering a new ink cartridge 50.

[0068] In particular, in this embodiment, when a new order request for an ink cartridge 50 is received from a user, the process for storing the latest service information reflects and stores the managed service information. The fraud detection unit 510 compares the latest service information stored in the latest service information with the service information stored in the reference service information to determine whether the value is abnormal. According to this embodiment, fraudulent operation can be detected at the time of ordering an ink cartridge 50.

[0069] In particular, in this embodiment, when a request for a new charge amount equal to the predetermined allowable number is received from a user, the process for storing the latest service information reflects and stores the managed service information. The latest service information stored in the latest service information is compared with the service information stored in the reference service information by the fraud detection unit 510 to determine whether it is an abnormal value. According to this embodiment, it is possible to detect fraudulent operation when the charge amount is obtained.

[0070] The timing of the process of storing the latest service information to reflect the managed service information is not limited to when a new order request for an ink cartridge 50 is received from the user, as in this embodiment, or when a request to obtain a new charge amount for a specified number of pages is received. Alternatively, the latest service information may be stored at a predetermined interval. In this case, it is possible to periodically detect any unauthorized operations.

[0071] <Modification> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and technical concept of the present invention. Such modifications will be described in order. The same reference numerals will be used to designate parts equivalent to those in the above-described embodiment, and descriptions will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0072] <Modification 1: When the restriction processing unit disables the printing function of the multifunction device> In the above embodiment, when fraud detection information is input from the fraud detection unit 510, the restriction processing unit 520 instructs the service processing unit 530 to restrict the provision of a predetermined type of printing service. However, this is not limited to this. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5 , when the restriction processing unit 520 receives fraud detection information from the fraud detection unit 510, the restriction processing unit 520 may instruct the print control unit 540 of the multifunction peripheral 200 to disable its printing function. In this case, the restriction processing unit 520 disables the print function via the print unit 290, preventing the user from continuing printing. According to this modification, by forcibly stopping the user's continued printing, it is possible to reliably prevent damage to the service provider from spreading. Note that, although the service processing unit 530 is not shown in the illustrated example, it separately accepts a print service request from the user via the mobile terminal 300. Similar to the above embodiment, the management server 100 acquires the management service information of the multifunction peripheral 200 and stores the latest service information when the service request is made.

[0073] <Variation 2: When the MFP itself detects unauthorized operations> In the above embodiment, the management server 100 includes the fraud detection unit 510 to detect fraudulent operations in the multifunction device 200, but this is not limiting. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 6, the multifunction device 200 itself may include the fraud detection unit 510 to detect whether or not there is fraudulent operation of the service information in the multifunction device 200.

[0074] In this case, the management server 100 stores standard service information including the cumulative charge count of the master data, and the multifunction peripheral 200 stores management service information including the cumulative print count and cumulative ink consumption of the master data, and both are synchronously updated at a predetermined time interval, similar to the above embodiment. However, when a user requests a print service via the mobile terminal 300, the standard service information from the management server 100 is sent directly to the multifunction peripheral 200 and temporarily copied as the same standard service information, and the fraud detection unit 510 compares the management service information stored in the multifunction peripheral 200 with the standard service information to detect fraud. In this case, the restriction processing unit 520 may also be provided on the multifunction peripheral 200 side, and may directly cause the print control unit 540 to stop its printing function when fraud detection information is input from the fraud detection unit 510. In this modified example, the multifunction peripheral 200 is an example of a printing device, and the processor 210 and program 232 on the multifunction peripheral 200 cooperate to store the standard service information. No. 2 10 is an example of a service quantity management information storage processing unit.

[0075] An example of a control procedure for implementing the fraud detection method in this modified example will be described with reference to the sequence chart of FIG.

[0076] First, as in the above embodiment, under normal circumstances, when a legitimate additional order process (not shown) is performed on the management server 100, the steps S5 and S10 are executed, and the information on the cumulative charge number in the standard service information on the management server 100 side is updated to the management service information on the multifunction device 200 side.

[0077] When the user operates the mobile terminal 300 to display a service application screen such as that shown in FIG. 3A, service application start information is transmitted from the mobile terminal 300 to the management server 100 in S105. The management server 100, which has received this service application start information, then transmits the cumulative charge number, cumulative print number, and cumulative ink consumption information of the standard service information to the multifunction device 200 in S110. The multifunction device 200 then compares the received standard service information with separately stored management service information in S115 to detect fraud. Specifically, as described above, it compares the corresponding cumulative charge numbers in each piece of service information, compares the corresponding cumulative print numbers, or verifies the consistency of the increasing behavior of the cumulative ink consumption and the cumulative print number, and determines whether any information in the management service information is an abnormal value.

[0078] If all of the information in the management service information is determined to be normal and no unauthorized operation is detected, the determination in S120 is not satisfied (S120: NO), and service application permission information is sent to management server 100 in S125, which then relays it and sends the service application permission information to mobile terminal 300 in S130. At this time, although not specifically shown, multifunction device 200 sends the cumulative number of printed pages and cumulative ink consumption from the management service information to management server 100, and management server 100 also overwrites and updates the reference service information with these two pieces of service information it received. On the other hand, if any one piece of information in the management service information is determined to be abnormal and unauthorized operation is detected, the determination in S120 is satisfied (S120: YES), and a command to stop the printing function is sent to print control unit 540 in S135. Furthermore, the above-described fraud detection procedures of S110 to S135 are repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals of, for example, several minutes even if there is no service application from the user in S105, and the multifunction peripheral 200 continuously monitors whether or not there is any fraudulent operation on itself.

[0079] As described above, in this modified example, the multifunction device 200 includes the printing unit 290, a process for storing reference service information, and the fraud detection unit 510. The multifunction device 200 stores the reference service information at a predetermined timing, and the fraud detection unit 510 determines whether the latest management service information is an abnormal value, and detects fraud related to unauthorized manipulation of the management service information based on the determination result. According to the multifunction device 200 of this modified example, if the management service information is an abnormal value, the multifunction device 200 can independently detect that unauthorized manipulation has occurred with respect to the management service information, without relying on a server or the like.

[0080] Furthermore, in the above, the sequences shown in Figures 4, 7, etc. do not limit the present invention to the procedures shown in the sequences, and steps may be added or deleted or the order may be changed within the scope that does not deviate from the spirit and technical idea of ​​the invention.

[0081] Furthermore, in addition to the above, the methods according to the above-described embodiments and modifications may be used in combination as appropriate. For example, the fraud detection unit 510 may be configured to be provided in an external device separate from both the management server 100 and the multifunction device 200.

[0082] Although not specifically illustrated, the present invention can be implemented with various modifications within the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1. Printing service provision system 50 Ink cartridges (an example of consumables) 100 Data Processing Servers 110 processors 200 Multifunction printer (example of printing device) 210 processors 290 Printing Department 300 mobile devices 510 Fraud Detection Unit 520 Restriction Processing Unit 530 Service Processing Department 540 Printing control unit NT Network

Claims

1. a printing unit that forms an image on a print medium; a first complimentary quantity management information storage processing unit that acquires complimentary quantity management information relating to the provision of complimentary services related to image formation by the printing unit from the printing unit as needed, updates the information, and stores the information; a second service quantity management information storage processing unit that reflects the update of the service quantity management information in the first service quantity management information storage processing unit at a predetermined timing and stores the information; a fraud detection unit that determines whether the service quantity management information is an abnormal value based on the stored contents of the first service quantity management information storage processing unit and the second service quantity management information storage processing unit, and detects fraudulent manipulation of the service quantity management information based on the determination result; A printing service providing system having: The service quantity management information stored in the first service quantity management information storage processing unit and the second service quantity management information storage processing unit is The printable amount information for which the user has acquired print rights for a fee is included, The fraud detection unit A printing service providing system that determines that the latest printable amount information stored in the first service quantity management information storage processing unit is an abnormal value if it is greater than the printable amount information stored in the second service quantity management information storage processing unit.

2. A printing unit that forms an image on a printing medium; a first complimentary quantity management information storage processing unit that acquires complimentary quantity management information relating to the provision of complimentary services related to image formation by the printing unit from the printing unit as needed, updates the information, and stores the information; a second service quantity management information storage processing unit that reflects the update of the service quantity management information in the first service quantity management information storage processing unit at a predetermined timing and stores the information; a fraud detection unit that determines whether the service quantity management information is an abnormal value based on the stored contents of the first service quantity management information storage processing unit and the second service quantity management information storage processing unit, and detects fraudulent manipulation of the service quantity management information based on the determination result; A printing service providing system having: The service quantity management information stored in the first service quantity management information storage processing unit and the second service quantity management information storage processing unit is The printable amount information for which the user has acquired print rights for a fee is included, The fraud detection unit A printing service providing system that determines that the latest printable amount information stored in the first service quantity management information storage processing unit is an abnormal value if it does not match the printable amount information stored in the second service quantity management information storage processing unit.

3. a restriction processing unit that imposes a predetermined restriction on provision of the service when the fraud detection unit detects the fraudulent operation; 3. The print service providing system according to claim 1, further comprising:

4. The restriction processing unit 4. The printing service providing system according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined restriction is to deny a user from acquiring new printing authority for a predetermined number of sheets for a fee.

5. The restriction processing unit 4. The printing service providing system according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined restriction is to reject a new order from a user for consumables used by the printing unit when forming the image.

6. The restriction processing unit 4. The printing service providing system according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined restriction is to stop the printing function of the printing unit.

7. The second service quantity management information storage processing unit: the predetermined timing is when a new order request for consumables to be used by the printing unit when forming the image is received from a user, and the free quantity management information is reflected and stored.

7. The printing service providing system according to claim 1.

8. The second service quantity management information storage processing unit: As the predetermined timing, when a request for acquisition of printing authority for a new predetermined number of sheets for a fee is received from a user, the service quantity management information is reflected and stored.

7. The printing service providing system according to claim 1.

9. The second service quantity management information storage processing unit: As the predetermined timing, the service quantity management information is reflected and stored at predetermined intervals.

7. The printing service providing system according to claim 1.

10. 10. A printing device provided in the printing service providing system according to claim 1, comprising: the printing unit; the first service quantity management information storage processing unit; and the fraud detection unit.

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